Melting Pot | 8th Annual International Music Festival

Irresistible melodies, fiery improvisation and otherworldly sounds collide in what Songlines Magazine dubbed “mash-up of the Klezmatics, Quintette du Hot Club de France and the Punch Brothers.” The New York Times calls it “modern folk music with saxophone and accordion.” The Human Hands got their start playing regular late night sessions at well-known dives and venues like Brooklyn’s Barbes and Sunny’s, and Manhattan’s Rockwood Music Hall. The group has evolved into a 21st-century folk music orchestra featuring a rotating cast of some of the brightest names in jazz, bluegrass, classical, and world music.

Since the release of “Too Hot to Sleep” in 2018, Sam Reider and the Human Hands have toured throughout the US and UK, appearing at major venues and festivals like Jazz at Lincoln Center, Celtic Connections, and the Savannah Music Festival. Their most recent release, “The Human Hands EP” features 6 original compositions recorded and filmed live-to-tape in Brooklyn. These pieces feature several styles of music written for various ensembles: a solo piano prelude, a trio for accordion, violin, and octave-mandolin, and folk-infused compositions for 6 and 7-piece ensemble.

Sam Reider and the Human Hands are:
Sam Reider, accordion & piano
Alex Hargreaves, violin
Eddie Barbash, saxophone
Dominick Leslie, mandolin
Roy Williams, guitar
Jared Engel, bass

https://www.samreidermusic.com/the-human-hands

– Are tickets required for entry to the concert?
Yes, but they are free! Seating is first-come-first-served.

– How do I get a ticket?
Tickets are available on this page, mbaw.org/imf or on Eventbrite. 

– Why can I only get two tickets at a time? What if I bring my family?
Because of a large amount of duplicating information coming through on our end, ticket numbers are reserved for two maximum, but this does not mean you are restricted access to two people only. As long as one member of the party presents their ticket at the door, any party size will be allowed in. Any member of your party may also register for tickets separately if they so choose.

– What do I show at the door?
To help our attendants, please have your ticket ready when you get there. Attendants will be ready to scan the QR code on your ticket (print, email, or app).

– What if I forget to get a ticket(s) or don’t have one when I get there?
An attendant at the door can help you register and get in quickly and easily. If you have registered but have forgotten the ticket, an attendant can pull up your name and check you in manually.

– What are the current health protocols I need to follow?
Masks are currently strongly encouraged. The event organizer may make the decision to require masks at any time leading up to the event.

– How do I get to the Empire Theatre? Where do I park?
Please refer to the Empire’s location/parking information here: https://www.majesticempire.com/info/parking-directions

– Can I take picture(s) or video(s)?
No flash photography. We ask that you limit photos or videos to a minimum during the actual performance as a courtesy to our artists.

Any other questions? Contact us.